Maybe having the classic car of your dreams is enough, whether it’s a good investment or not. You’ve always wanted a 1969 Mustang, Dodge Charger, or 1957 Mercedes 300SL (Gullwing). And if you have the cash to spare, you should have one. But it turns out there’s another more tangible reason to buy a classic car, they’re rapidly appreciating. According to a report by Douglas Ellison and Knight Frank, while traditional collectible investments like watches, art, and coins have appreciated some, (with appreciations of 3%, 5% and 10% in the last 12 months, respectively), collectible cars are stealing the show. Collectible cars have appreciated by 25% in the last 12 months, 111% in the last 5 years, and 469% since 2004. Here are the top ten reasons why classic cars are the best collectible investments.

Okay, I’ll admit it, there is nothing about this car that screams deal. However this sucker is so off the charts nutty that we had to post it as the eBay Deal of the Week. This is a 1989 Chevrolet Caprice that’s been turned into one of the most interesting tributes to the Incredible Hulk that I’ve ever seen. The interior is a full custom job that’s black with reptile accents and custom air brushing. The door jambs, underside of the hood and trunk, dash, door panels, custom center console are all done with amazing detail. It sports a 505 hp 7.0L LS7 that will turn the 30″ tires into glue as you’re activating the remote dumpers for the exhaust. Now obviously this thing isn’t for everybody, hell it may not be for anybody. But if you’re a fan of the HULK and you want the most outrageous piece of fan tribute, then this little gem is your monkey! Check out more pics after the jump, or head directly to the eBay ad below.

I kinda have a thing for Mazdas. Even the lowliest Mazda dances like a Braavosi sword master . But most Mazdas aren’t what you’d call beautiful. This 1972 Mazda 1800 sedan, however, is simply stunning. And for good reason: It was penned by one of the most legendary automotive designers in history. Here in the US, the 1800 is exceedingly rare. Only 2100 or so were imported. This 1800 is for sale on Craigslist for the low price of $4500.

The beautiful thing about the automotive hobby is that anyone can get into it. It matters not if you’re a male, female, young or old – all are welcome. In the past the concept of hot-rodding was dominated predominately by men, as of late though it seems as though things are changing. Take this group of women for instance who have started their own coed Lowrider club called “Estilo Bajito” down in San Antonio, TX. Now models posing on cars is one thing, but for my money I’d rather be associated with women like these any day of the week.

We all had to have it start somewhere right? For some it started when they picked up that first car magazine, for others it was when they saw that shiny chrome bumpered beast rumble by, yet for others still it was a family affair. The automotive hobby is wonderful in that it truly does bring people closer together. Cars get passed down from generation to generation as does the know how and experience that comes with ownership. In Stephen Brooks short video “Una Familia” he explores a little bit of the low rider culture from a family perspective and helps us understand why keeping these cars on the road is so important.

There is no denying that the American hot-rod is not just a fixture of American culture, but pop-culture all over the world. These garage built machines have busted up knuckles all over the planet and by the looks of it they have no intention of stopping. Don’t believe me? The following get together took place at Honmoku Hill Top Park in Japan and with it came some of the coolest hot rods you’re ever likely to see.

We all dream of owning vintage iron, of rumbling along in a piece of automotive history, of being the envy of car nuts everywhere we go. Well, we can. There are truly affordable classics out there. And I’m going to find them. Welcome to Classic Review.

Don’t fear the MGB GT. It is not a finicky piece of questionable British engineering possessed by the Prince of Darkness, Joseph Lucas. It is a beautiful little beast, a punchy and snarling sports car with the refined manners of a grand tourer.

Passion. That’s what it takes to own an old street rod. They take time, patience and in the end, a love for all things automotive. Some may think that these are just cheap old cars that are held together with duct tape and zip ties, and let’s face it, sometimes they are. More than that though these cars are a lifestyle choice that are kept in service by a certain demographic of people who simply don’t give a shit about modern conveniences and would rather live life on their own terms. This bagged 1953 Lincoln is a perfect example of this, and in our opinion is f*ckin’ brilliant.

Even if you’re not a fan of classic cars and pre-war racers, I dare you to watch the video below and not come away wanting to drive Jay Leno’s Bugatti Type 51. I’m in agreement that the car’s supercharged, 2.3-liter straight eight engine is one of the best sounding mills ever created, and the direct mechanical connection between car and driver is strangely appealing. Value of the car aside, you’re not going to be texting behind the wheel of a Bugatti Type 51, since keeping the car running will demand your full-time attention. Read More…

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